By LoRayne Apo-Joynt
December 17, 2008 @ 5:05 PM

Multiple financial news outlets now report Chrysler will extend its previously announced two week shutdown to four weeks, beginning Friday Dec. 19. Facilities that make Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Wrangler will be closed a week longer, until Jan. 26.

Two other facilities that make the Dodge Viper and mini-van will be closed a total of six weeks. The auto industry historically had a scheduled shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day, during which maintenance work was performed. The longer shutdowns are a response to plummeting demand for vehicles — off by as much as 47% in November — and a need to reserve cash.